When hiring a contractor, you want to ensure they are licensed and insured. You should also ask for a roof inspection and quote. Be wary of contractors that only price your job based on one factor. This can be a red flag and leave you open for surprises on install day.

Ask for Referrals

As a roofing contractor, you must have a reliable acquisition channel that brings in customers frequently. A referral program is an excellent way to accomplish this. You can use rewards to motivate your existing customers to make referrals. Make sure you choose a double-sided reward, where the referrer and the referred friend receive the incentive.

For instance, a roofing contractor in Highland Heights, Kentucky, is more familiar with the weather conditions and building codes, making them a safer choice. They will also be able to respond more quickly to any issues during the project. Look at online reviews on Yelp, BBB, and Angie’s List. Check for patterns in compliments and complaints, which can give you a sense of the company’s culture and customer service standards. It’s also important to ask how long it will take for the contractor to complete the project.

Look at Their Portfolio

When interviewing potential roofing contractors, ask them to show you samples of their work. They should be eager to do so and be happy to answer any questions you may have. If they seem uninterested or lackluster, that’s a red flag that they might not be the best fit for your project.

Another great way to see if a roofing contractor is a good choice is to check out their online presence. Ensure they have a website with testimonials and photos of their past projects. Also, try searching for the company on popular online directories like Angie’s List or Yelp to find out what other homeowners say about their services.

Also, it’s important to get price estimates from multiple contractors before deciding. This will help you ensure you get a fair price and are not exploited.

Get a Written Estimate

Once you’ve narrowed down your potential list of roofing contractors, it’s time to get estimates. Three is typically cited as the magic number, but don’t be afraid to request quotes from more than three roofing companies.

A good estimate should include a breakdown of the cost of materials, installation methods, and timeline for completion. It should also address safety procedures and insurance coverage, including workers’ compensation and liability.

It’s important to ask the roofing company how long it will take them to complete the work on average. This should be a fairly accurate figure, and it will give you an idea of how long they have been in business. Be sure to ask the roofing contractor if they use subcontractors, and if so, to verify their names, phone numbers, and physical addresses. Some unlicensed subcontractors may not have the right insurance coverage and can put your home at risk.

Get a Warranty

Whether your roof is installed or repaired, you will want to ensure you receive a warranty from the roofing contractor. The best companies will always offer their clients a workmanship warranty. This will help protect you if something goes wrong with the installation or the materials used.

You will also want to ask about manufacturer warranties with the used materials. These warranties are usually much longer than the contractor warranty but can be helpful in case you run into issues.

Lastly, be sure to ask about any licenses that the contractor holds. You may need certain permits before starting construction, depending on your state or area. Also, avoid contractors requiring a cash deposit or pre-payment for their services. This can leave a paper trail and make it easier to dispute any charges later.